Another Victory For Democrats...

…Or as close to it as you’re going to get when you create consensus on a controversial issue. Democrats got a Republican promise not to eliminate the filibuster for this two-year Congress, while promising to use it only “under extraordinary circumstances.” Senator Frist had earlier rejected a similar deal offered by Senator Harry Reid.

The importance to Democrats of securing the filibuster for two years ahead of Supreme Court Justice Rehnquist's imminent retirement can be seen in the two party leader's reactions to the deal,

Democratic leader Harry M. Reid (Nev.) called the pact "a significant victory for our country." But Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) said "it has some good news, and it has some disappointing news."

Reid, who called a news conference as soon as the negotiators ended theirs, was buoyant. "This is really good news," he said. "Tonight the Senate has worked its will on behalf of reason and responsibility."

I once had doubts about the ability of Senator Reid to outmaneuver his Republican opponents. I'm no longer worried,

Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) said she thinks the negotiators were doing Frist a favor but was not sure he would agree.